Lookout towers Šútovo

The Rozhľadňa Terchovské srdce observation tower is located on Oblaz hill and is beautifully visible upon arriving in Terchová from the direction of Žilina. It offers its visitors 3 viewing terraces from which they can observe the surrounding nature of Malá Fatra as well as the village itself. The observation tower is 30 meters high and, thanks to its easily accessible location, is suitable for anyone. That is why the Rozhľadňa Terchovské srdce observation tower is an ideal destination for mothers with children, mobility-impaired visitors, or elderly people.

This relatively newly built observation tower, accessible since October 2015, is the final stop on an educational trail focused on discovering the fauna and flora of Národný park Malá Fatra. The route is approximately one kilometer long. Ascent directly onto the tower is via a narrower staircase.

The name of the observation tower originated from the song: "To terchovské srdce na dvoje sa delí, jedna strana plače, druhá sa veselí..." ("That Terchová heart splits in two, one side cries, the other rejoices..."). The older generation also recalls the filming of the 1935 movie Jánošík featuring actor Paľo Bielik. Until recently, a gallows, a prop from this movie, stood on Oblaz hill. It was precisely this prop that inspired the well-known Slovak artist Alojz Mucha when designing the observation tower.

Oblaz hill is also known as a commemorative site. Several historical events took place here. It is somewhat chilling, but here you can also find a mass grave of local residents from the 19th-century plague epidemic. Today, Oblaz is mainly sought after by visitors because of the steel observation tower. It offers visitors beautiful views of Malý Rozsutec, Veľký Rozsutec, Boboty, Tiesňavy, Poludňový Grúň, Obšívanky, or Sokolie.

The observation tower is accessible free of charge throughout the entire year. Feel free to come here even in winter and enjoy rest in Relax centrum Terchovec in addition to the views of the snow-covered landscape. In summer, you can take a ride on Terchovský vláčik. We can recommend verified accommodation in Terchová, which you can find on our portal.

Do you know from which observation tower it is possible to see up to 4 neighboring castles? From one of the youngest observation towers in the vicinity of the city of Žilina, from Rozhľadňa na vrchu Špicák. The observation tower is located above the village of Strečno, above which the famous Hrad Strečno castle stands tall. A trip to the observation tower followed by a walk combined with a visit to the castle is definitely worth it.

Rozhľadňa na vrchu Špicák is freely accessible throughout the whole year. The date of creation of this observation tower dates back to 2018. The observation tower is situated at an altitude of 620 m above sea level. You can easily handle this walk even with children. The ascent takes an average of 40 minutes on foot through a charming forest. On the way to the observation tower, you can educate yourself. The observation tower is part of an educational trail featuring several information boards, benches, as well as a spot to park bicycles.

The walk will recharge you with positive energy. Even though the incline will be steeper in places and less experienced hikers will sweat a bit more, you will reach your destination, where divine peace awaits. The observation tower as such completes the overall character of the environment. It is made entirely of wood and rises to a height of 8.2 meters above the ground. Directly from it, you can admire panoramic views of the ridge of Malá Fatra, part of Kysucká vrchovina, Strážovské vrchy, as well as captivating views of Žilinská kotlina. In case of good visibility, you can spot the following castles in the distance: Strečno, Starý hrad, Budatínsky hrad, and Lietavský hrad.

The observation tower can be reached via two accessible routes. One leads along the yellow hiking trail. Its starting point is at the parking lot below the castle, where you can refresh yourself and begin this easier hike. The second route leads from the center of the village along green-and-white markings. In case you are afraid of heights and prefer standing firmly with your feet on the ground, a bench next to the observation tower is prepared for you, from where you can also see Hrad Strečno castle from a bird's-eye perspective.

The surroundings of Strečno are full of attractions. The aforementioned castle, observation tower, and other hiking destinations will indirectly entice you to book accommodation near Rozhľadňa na vrchu Špicák. Together with your little ones, you can explore Rozprávkový les (Fairy Tale Forest) in Nezbudská Lúčka. In summer, there is an opportunity to cool off in Asfaltové jazero or visit the paid thermal lido Termálne kúpalisko Aqua Eden Stráňavy. In winter, you can ski on the slope of the Ostredok ski resort. Believe us, the offer of accommodation in Strečno is wide-ranging. From cottages and chalets under chaty a chalupy Strečno, you can also find lodging in a slightly more distant hostel Žilina. Or would you rather be enticed by private accommodation Strečno? Everything depends on your budget and preferences.